Dara Torres - Secrets For Staying Young

by Holly St. Lifer (Subscribe to Holly St. Lifer's posts)
Sep 3rd 2009 12:00PM

Categories: Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Fit After 40

Photo: Andrea Cross

While everyone knows 43-year-old Dara Torres is a five-time Olympian, here are two other amazing facts about her: On August 1, 2007, just 15 months after giving birth to her first child at age 40, Torres won the gold in the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. Nationals. Then three days later, she twice broke her own American record in the 50-meter freestyle that she had originally set 26 years before. I caught up with her in the midst of her latest project, BP's Younger for Longer Challenge, to find out more about it and to learn how she stays in such stellar shape.

That's Fit: What was your impetus for this project?

Dara Torres: I've always maintained that age is just a number, and we should never put an age limit on our dreams. This is a contest that perpetuates that message. It reaches out to both men and women encouraging them to share their ideas in an essay about what keeps them young and healthy. (The winner wins $10,000 worth of BP gasoline with invigorate, a new formula designed to help keep cars running longer, and a one-on-one with Dara. Click here to enter.)

TF: What's the single most essential aspect of your life that you feel keeps you youthful?

DT: Fitness. It's always been a part of my life. My daughter's only 3, but I already have her taking gymnastics, dance and swimming classes. It doesn't have to be a purposeful workout, you just need to get out there and move, even if it's just a brisk daily walk. Exercise not only makes you feel younger, it relieves stress, and you automatically look better. It's a win-win.

Photo: Andrea Cross

TF: Do you have a favorite anti-sagging move that really delivers results?

DT: My behind needs a little extra attention, and I swear by this move: Prop a small stability ball up against a wall. Lie on your back facing the ball with your butt against it, arms at sides, feet on ball, knees apart. Lift your butt, hold for a beat as your bring knees together and then lower to start. Do three sets of 15 reps.

TF: Do you fight the aging process or embrace it?

DT: It's hard to accept the fact that I'm not 20 years old with that same body, but I have learned to go with the flow. That I can be at a certain level that's going to keep me in good shape without worrying about injury. And if I do feel a twinge, I back right off. I don't push it -- which I tended to do when I was younger.

TF: What about your personality? Do you possess certain traits that affect your enduring vitality?

DT: I don't dwell. I learn from negative situations, and then I move on. A lot of woman ruminate, and that can really wear you down. I'm a very positive person, so yes, I think that's significant. I always look at the bright side.

Find out more about how Torres trained so successfully post-pregnancy.

Have you made peace with the aging process? If so, write to me and let me know what you've learned to embrace -- from wrinkles to spider veins -- and how.

Comments (15)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jim L 9-04-2009 @ 1:49PM

I thought her name was DANA Torres

Dinah S. 9-05-2009 @ 7:36AM

Hi everyone! The first thing I do I the morning (after drinking 8oz. of water and taking probiotics, followed by coffee, of course) is a little warm-up aerobics and then STRETCH. This will help avoid any injuries. No one has mentioned this yet. As you age, stretching becomes even more important. I had a groin injury that sidelined me for months. Not fun! Another pearl of wisdom for those who are not so motivated.......get a personal trainer at least once a week and follow that pattern at least 2 additional days a week. Couple that with a good walk every day and the pounds will roll off, you will feel good and you'll experience greater energy. The only thing I haven't mentioned yet is nutrition. My husband and I drink a lot of raw juices (we use a Breville juicer). It changed our lives. We juice all kinds of fruits and vegetables. This, coupled with COQ10, grapeseed extract, and a host of supplements and protein shakes have kept us "in the game" at ages 58 and 67. We also load up on Omegas, especially Omega 3 (salmon is a staple in our house). Eat raw almonds...take them with you everywhere! They are loaded with vitamin E. The little bumps on the back of your arms will disappear and your skin will become smoother. I have so much to share. Be happy to respond to any questions. Also, if you smoke, the very first think you should do is quit. If you smoke, it doesn't really matter what else you do, you put your health in great jeopardy. One more thing....don't sweat the small stuff. Be happy and help others every day in some way. Best of luck to all! Dinah

bill 9-05-2009 @ 8:17AM

Well, being flat chested certainly helps

DinahS. 9-05-2009 @ 9:11AM

Losing 47 pounds in 6 weeks is never good. 99% will gain the weight back over 6 months. Consider weight loss a longer term project and celebrate the small successes along the way. Also, be really careful of people on this blog who are just trying to sell products. Be well.

Cat 9-05-2009 @ 10:07AM

FINALLY, a woman who embraces getting older!! Dara is fabulous and she looks like a million bucks.......and she hasn't had plastic surgery! She is the role model young girls should try and emulate.

Jan 9-05-2009 @ 10:40AM

I am 55 and have never thought of age as a number. I had my first of three children at 30, the third at 37. I have always been active, skiing in the winter, swimming in the summer. At 45 I was diagnosed with hypothyroid. Since then my weight has fluctuated. The most I gained was 12 lbs. which is a lot for my short stature (5 ft).
A year ago my endocrinologist recommended a modified south beach diet. Wow! What a difference. In two weeks all of my old clothes fit, I was less tired, and my mood was totally different - because I felt great that I didn't have that extra weight.
By the way, I have always looked younger than my age. At 55, I shock many strangers, they think I'm younger. Most people say I look 42 - 45. I have always felt age in just a number and I still do everything I did when I was 30. My husband tells me to remember I'm not a "spring chicken". I say, "I'm a force to be reckoned with".
You have one life, one body, take care of it.

Sue 9-05-2009 @ 12:02PM

About 12 out of 15 of these comments were thinly disguised advertisements. That's why it only took me about 3 minutes to read all of them. The moment I recognize that it's an ad, I go on to the next one.

kriz 9-05-2009 @ 2:20PM

so so true!!!!!!

Ryan 9-05-2009 @ 12:26PM

There are a few simple things to do to stay younger and help lose weight.....excersise. You have to sweat your you know what off. I quit drinking soda, ate healthy, and excersised everyday (cardio only) and lost 28 pounds in 3 weeks. They say walking is great for you, but I say running is way better. You have to sweat to get any results. Walking will not get you to sweat like you need. The elliptical machine is a magic machine. Get on that for an hour a day and see the weight melt off. Diet is only part of it. You have to bust your ---!!!!!

PGW 9-05-2009 @ 12:59PM

I am 59 years old. I have two children and three grandchildren,
I live and laugh. I own a business and I am currently writing a book.
Exercise three times a week, eat what I like in small portions. Take Omega-3 daily. I am 5"7, weight is 135. I have worn size 4-6 for 25 years. Before that I was a size 2-4. As I ge older, it has become increasingly more difficult to keep the additional pounds off,
metabolism changes really do factor in managing weight.

JO 9-05-2009 @ 1:10PM

I have been fortunate to be able to go to a gym and have a trainer. Before that I exercised in front of the TV. But I did not challenge myself nor was there anyone to help me do the exercise properly, without hurting myself. As Dara stated "Move", I do not want to be sedentary. I started out slowly and now I am doing exercises I didn't think I could do. I was 72 when I joined. In the past I have had two hip replacements and have osteoarthritis. My trainer has helped me to exercise the proper way. Having a trainer has helped me be consistent in attending exercises 3 times a week. since I started I have not lost much weight, however, I am aware of my posture and my clothes fit me much better. My range of motion is improved greatly, for example I could not lift my arms above my head without pain, now I am able to do this easily, and painlessly. My trainer has helped me overcome my fears, and she is encouraging. I have more strength in my arms and better balance and more energy. Now I need to lose some weight. I am trying to do this with portion control and eating more vegetables, berries, and nuts, less bread, pasta, sweets and fatty meats. I do believe that age is just a number. My choice is to have a healthier quality of life.

carrie 9-05-2009 @ 3:10PM

I was fortunate growing up. At 5'8 I never weighed over 135 lbs. That was thirteen years ago. Now I am 35 with three kids And I weighed 220 lbs almost two years ago and then i woke up one day and looked at myself and was sickened. So I went to my doctor, nothing out on the market works. I started counting calories watching my portions and I took phetermine under careful advisement of my doctor. I also worked out on my total gym twice a day and lost 50 lbs in a matter of two months. that is no lie. one of the best exercise equipments on the market is the total gym and I sware by it. With Chuck Norris's endorsement you know it's gotta be good. so if you are looking for a quick fix there is not a one, but if you are willing and have the money, buy a total gym. Once your on it you will never want to stop

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